(Mexico City, Mexico) Mexico’s Supreme Court agreed Thursday to examine the legality of the controversial reform of the judiciary, angering the ruling left party, which supports the measure providing for the election of all judges by a popular vote, unique case in the world.
By a vote, eight judges out of eleven declared themselves in favor of examining the constitutional reform.
One of the judges, Lenia Batres, close to the ruling Morena party, warned that intervention by the Mexican Supreme Court would be a “coup d’état”.
“The High Court has proven its factious nature, assuming itself as the supreme power, above the legislative power, the executive power and, above all, the sovereign: the Mexican people,” castigated the President of the Senate on the X network Fernandez Norona, member of Morena.
“Nothing will prevent the election of judges in June 2025,” he added.
The constitutional reform of the judiciary provides for the election of judges and magistrates by popular vote, including for “ministers” (members) of the Supreme Court.
It was promulgated in September by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (Morena) just before leaving power on 1er october. She is defended by the new president of the same party, Claudia Sheinbaum.
The reform worries judicial officials, NGOs, the United States and UN officials, who fear that elected judges will be more easily influenced by politicians, powerful groups or organized crime.
“The judiciary is at the service of the powerful […] and white-collar crime,” Mr. Lopez-Obrador said to justify his reform. More than 90% of crimes go unpunished in Mexico, according to NGOs.
During his term, the former president continued to criticize the Supreme Court, which blocked some of his reforms in areas such as energy and security.
In a press release, the Supreme Court affirms that its “duty is to ensure the autonomy and independence of the federal judiciary and its members”.